Splendors of Portugal

September 10-12, 2012

Portugal offers even the most seasoned travelers a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Discover this perfect destination's history, culture, natural beauty, and sandy beaches with shimmering waters. Portugal has a rich seafaring past, a mosaic of landscapes, medieval towns and cities, and a spectacular coastline. Come and discover the splendors for yourself!

Porto (three night stay)

Porto, Portugal's second largest city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the city that gives its name to Portugal, and to its famous Port Wine. Located on the mouth of the Douro River, it offers splendid opportunities for cultural sightseeing, with some of the country's most historic cities, including the country's first capital, Guimarães.

Evora (one night stay)

On route visit the medieval university at Coimbra with its famous tower and Baroque library. Continue to Fatima, the famous pilgrimage center. Our next stop is the fishing village of Nazare, and then Obidos, a beautiful historic walled town. Continue to Evora and enjoy [a] relaxing dinner at our hotel.

Algarve (two night stay)

Tour the historical walled city of Elvora, a UNESCO International Heritage Site, before continuing south to the Algarve, which is situated in extreme southern Portugal, and was the last territory to be conquered by the Moors in 1292. Traces of Moorish presence can still be seen in its unique terraces, chimneys and whitewashed houses. Spend an entire day in the beautiful coastal area of the Algarve.

Lisbon (two night stay)

On route to Lisbon we visit Sintra and Cascais. Sintra and its mystical hills dotted with fairy tale palaces and extravagant villas have bewitched visitors for centuries. Charming Cascais is a postcard-perfect cosmopolitan beach town. A short drive will then bring us to the capital city, Lisbon.

Explore the City of Lisbon on a day long tour. Highlights include The Belem District, Jeronimo's Monastery, the monument to Henry the Navigator and the city center. This evening's farewell dinner will be a fado night at a local restaurant, featuring traditional Portuguese songs and guitar music.

Cost is $4,149 per person, based on double occupancy. Call for a brochure with the day-by-day itinerary and inclusions.